Mumbai airport restrictions lead to flight cancellations, experts weigh in

Airlines have been forced to cancel several flights after the government directed the Mumbai International Airport to reduce flight movements in a bid to decongest the runway. The aviation ministry said it was forced to act as Mumbai airport was giving excess slots to airlines, causing congestion at the airport.

The ministry justified the action saying aircraft hover over the Mumbai airspace for as long as 60 minutes, causing a wastage of fuel and inconvenience to passengers.

The airport has been ordered to restrict air traffic movements during peak hours from 46 to 44 per hour and 44 to 42 during non-peak hours.

The decision also impacts business aircraft movements. The no-fly curfew on such flights has been increased from 4 hours to 8 hours. The decision is likely to face opposition from the aviation community.

Kapil Kaul, CEO of CAPA India, acknowledges that while Mumbai airport has significantly increased its capacity over the years, congestion during peak hours is not a new issue. He emphasises the need for comprehensive infrastructure improvements, including airspace infrastructure, to address capacity constraints effectively.

Captain (Retd) RK Bali of the Business Aircraft Operators Association raises concerns about the impact of these restrictions on business aviation operations around Mumbai. While acknowledging the potential temporary relief provided by the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport, he stresses the need for long-term planning to address infrastructure constraints and accommodate the growing demand for business aviation services.

Devesh Agarwal from Bangalore Aviation highlights the lack of transparency in airport operations and calls for centralised coordination at the national level. He also raises questions about the government's reluctance to liberalise airspace above major Indian cities, suggesting that a culture of transparency and stakeholder consultation is needed to optimise airport usage.